The U.S. Construction industry, like many other skilled trade job sectors, is facing an “acute crisis,” according to Ed Brady, CEO of the Home Builders Institute.
In 2026, the construction industry is projected to need approximately 350,000 jobs. A surge in infrastructure projects, AI data facilities and manufacturing construction has driven the demand.
Little Red School House, a classroom supply depot, opened Jan. 26 to teachers across Santa Rosa County.
Filled with nearly 20,000 classroom supplies, including pens, pencils, markers, paper, folders and paper towels, the Little Red School House was able to serve 350 educators during this recent opening.
Kimberly McChesney, a former Gulf Breeze Elementary School assistant principal, has been placed in a new role within the district after an investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing related to events at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
McChesney, who was placed on administrative leave in August 2025 after her son, Matthew McChesney, was arrested in July on a charge of possession of child pornography, has been reassigned to the Blended Academy. She will serve as assistant principal of the school, which offers a hybrid model of online education and in-person support.
Bagdad Elementary School, one of the oldest schools in Santa Rosa County, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary at its current location on Forsyth Street.
The milestone was celebrated by staff and students Jan. 6.
Dayna Hood, a teacher at Milton High School, was due for professional development training Friday morning, Jan. 16. That plan was delayed when she was called back to Milton High for a big surprise.
Hood was selected as the district teacher of the year for 2027.
Santa Rosa Education Foundation has announced the three finalists selected from five semifinalists for Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Audra Hughes, Avalon Middle, Bayleigh Upton, Jay High, Dayna Hood, Milton High.
Santa Rosa County District Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Barber was honored with the prestigious North Star Award at the Scouting America Gulf Coast Outstanding Citizens Luncheon Nov. 5.
Deputy Tony Jordan has 31 years of service under his belt, and he’s using his experience to better connect with the children he works with at Thomas L. Sims Middle School as a school resource officer. Jordan recently began his “Lunch with a Deputy” program, where a student is selected to sit, talk and eat lunch with the SRO.
Twenty schools won Florida Power and Light’s $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2024-2025 school year, and Avalon Middle School was one of them. As a result, Theresa Yankovoy, who teaches STEM and sixth-grade social studies at Avalon, got a classroom makeover and new gadgets.
